By Louis Zylka
The 830 Tmes
La Bohemia, 107 Pierce St., will showcase work by Karla Arellano, a local artist who goes by Afterbloom Oddities, on Friday, Nov. 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Arellano spoke with The 830 Times early in the week to talk more about her exhibit at La Bohemia and what kind of art she will display, which includes over 20 handcrafted oddity pieces made out of insects, bones and dry florals she had sourced from trusted suppliers.
Arellano uses natural elements to create her work, which she refers to as “oddity art” or “entomology art.” Arellano said she began creating her work for the first time early in 2026. She added her work is a “very time-consuming process” with some pieces taking up two weeks to make.
“I hope people can see the beauty in things that they might not normally pay attention to, and I like my work to spark curiosity and show something that is unusual and unconventional but can still be beautiful,” Arellano said.
Besides selling her work at local markets, this November’s First Friday Art Walk will be the first time Arellano will showcase her work in an exhibit for people to see, which she said will be on display all month at La Bohemia. Arellano said she will be present at the store to meet those visiting the local art galleries on Friday evening.
Ashley Trevino, store owner of La Bohemia, said she will provide snacks and a harvest sangria for the people who attend. She also said music will be played at her location, and people can purchase ice cream and other drinks at Sweet Scoops Real Fruit Ice Cream from across the street.
